Clemente Chavez

2 Pages 572 Words

“There is a heat more intense than fire of the torch! And it can be rekindled

at a moment’s notice! Where discrimination, injustice and oppression rear their ugly

heads the fire can be called upon to burn them away.” Clemente Chavez is a protagonist in

the novel Heart of Aztlan. The took place in Barelas, a “barrio” in Albuquerque, New

Mexico in the year 1950’s. Clemente Chavez used to be a farmer, and he loved to work

the soil. He lived in a rural area with his family. He yearns for his life in barrio, he also

fight for his and his co-workers rights in the city. The book ends with Clemente leading his

co-workers on a peaceful demonstration through the railroad company. And he want his

family to have a better future, he believe that there is a better life in the city. Clemente is a

father that is willing to give his life to his family’s future and the rights and conditions of

his co-workers.

Clemente wants his family to have a better life. He had a land in a barrio.

Unfortunately he was not able to earn enough to pay the mortgages on his land, so he was

forced to give up and sell the land. Prior to selling the land, he is like he lost his old

customs and traditions. “There is no injustice in dealing in land.” He felt cursing and

crying out the pain he felt because Don Jose bought it in a very low price; Clemente do

have any choice. His family are always there to care for him. His family felt very sorry for

Clemente. They the move from rural area to urban life takes a hard toll on the family,

especially to Clemente. For him is like moving from one world to another.

As Clemente wants his family for a better future, he feels powerless in

regards in his own family, who’s members takes up city-life in their own ways, and not to

his liking. His children enjoy moving in the city; they quickly socialize with the youth often

attending parti...